First Modern Knife?

Prester John

Prester John

Joined
May 20, 2018
Messages
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I have never had a modern knife. Have only carried old-fashioned pocketknives like your grandfather carried. Would appreciate suggestions as to what modern knife to try first with $100 budget.
 
You haven't given much detail to go on. From that price point alone I would recommend Off Grid Knives. They're American made, good quality, and very good value. If those are too beefy for you then try a Chinese brand like Kizer or Civivi.
 
Recommend you provide more info. Size, blade type, intended purpose, that kind of thing.

I am a traditional knife guy, but my moderns are from Benchmade, ZT, and Spyderco. None of them cost me over $100 but that was nearly a decade ago and I was able to take advantage of a true close-out price from a vendor who was no longer going to carry the ZT/BM brands. The Spyderco (Delica) was just regular price under $100 back then.
 
jc57 said:
Recommend you provide more info. Size, blade type, intended purpose, that kind of thing.
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This, plus maybe an idea on opening mechanism and lock preference ? (thumb stud, hole, flipper, etc.)

How about a modern automatic knife ? The Kershaw launch series comes in different blade shapes and sizes, has a pocket clip of course, is US made, and runs between $100 and $140 or so. Bang for the buck is great.
 
IMO, the Ontario Rat 1 is a great place to start. It's inexpensive, well built, has earned a reputation for being a tough, reliable tool you can count on and it doesn't have any frills or bells and whistles. If you like it and want more modern knives it can be a great beater or truck knife and if you don't want more moderns, it will still be a solid, reliable tool that didn't cost you too much.
 
Theres really nothing to go off, except that you like traditionals. In that way were alike. Unless you wanna go all out and get some titanium-intergal-bearing-flipper thing, maybe Id start with a modern lock back. Micarta or G10 scales, in a modern stainless powder steel like S30V or M390. Also plenty of modern sipjoints in those steels available these days. Those kinds of knives are most likely so appeal to you, as they will be at least somewhat familiar in form & function.

If you're looking for a fixed blade instead, Id say save your money. You're better off with the classics.
 
Synov said:
You haven't given much detail to go on. From that price point alone I would recommend Off Grid Knives. They're American made, good quality, and very good value. If those are too beefy for you then try a Chinese brand like Kizer or Civivi.
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Thanks, will certainly check out Off Grid Knives.
jc57 said:
Recommend you provide more info. Size, blade type, intended purpose, that kind of thing.
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Was thinking a blade about 3", clip blade, or maybe tanto (those look intriguing); intended purpose: all-around everyday cutting needs, which could also serve as a defensive weapon (if my gun ain't handy!).
ferider said:
This, plus maybe an idea on opening mechanism and lock preference ? (thumb stud, hole, flipper, etc.)
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Pretty open to suggestions. I think a flipper would be preferable to studs or holes, but will consider those.
ferider said:
How about a modern automatic knife ? The Kershaw launch series comes in different blade shapes and sizes, has a pocket clip of course, is US made, and runs between $100 and $140 or so. Bang for the buck is great.
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I would certainly consider an automatic.
 
Synov said:
You haven't given much detail to go on. From that price point alone I would recommend Off Grid Knives. They're American made, good quality, and very good value. If those are too beefy for you then try a Chinese brand like Kizer or Civivi.
Click to expand...
off grid aren't American made. they're Taiwan and Chinese made. they aren't bad the ones I've played with though.
 
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If you are not concerned with the country of origin I highly recommend you look at Civivi. Lots of options there.

If you want a non-chinese knife but are willing to go Bulgarian I'd say look at the Manly City. I picked one up recently and am blown away by the quality for the price.

And a HUGE +1 for the Ontario RATs.
 
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ferider said:
This, plus maybe an idea on opening mechanism and lock preference ? (thumb stud, hole, flipper, etc.)

How about a modern automatic knife ? The Kershaw launch series comes in different blade shapes and sizes, has a pocket clip of course, is US made, and runs between $100 and $140 or so. Bang for the buck is great.
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Lots of models. I love the look of the Kershaw Launch 8 Stiletto.
 
Spillproof said:
If you are not concerned with the country of origin I highly recommend you look at Civivi. Lots of options there.

If you want a non-chinese knife but are willing to go Bulgarian I'd say look at the Manly City. I picked one up recently and am blown away by the quality for the price.
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Thanks. No Chinese (Taiwan okay). And probably no Pakistan, based on ones I have seen at gun shows. Would consider Bulgarian.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
IMO, the Ontario Rat 1 is a great place to start. It's inexpensive, well built, has earned a reputation for being a tough, reliable tool you can count on and it doesn't have any frills or bells and whistles. If you like it and want more modern knives it can be a great beater or truck knife and if you don't want more moderns, it will still be a solid, reliable tool that didn't cost you too much.
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Good looking knife, thanks.
 
Prester John said:
Thanks. No Chinese (Taiwan okay). And probably no Pakistan, based on ones I have seen at gun shows. Would consider Bulgarian.
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Is that ethical or because of quality concerns?

Because I was also going to suggest jump on the civivi Web site and pick a shape you like out of the 5 million versions they now have.

Quality wise they punch outside their budget.
 
not sure about blade length ya want, but Buck sprint and 112 pro trx or bit more than budget the 110 pro trx are worth a look. made in America and within budget.

the ontario rat1 in aus 8 steel is a tremendous bargain and great knife for very low dollars. its made in Taiwan.
 
jbmonkey said:
not sure about blade length ya want, but Buck sprint and 112 pro trx or bit more than budget the 110 pro trx are worth a look. made in America and within budget.

the ontario rat1 in aus 8 steel is a tremendous bargain and great knife for very low dollars. its made in Taiwan.
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Thanks. Blade length I like is 3", give or take a little.
 
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